Conisborough Case Discharged

Thomas Hancock, a farm bailiff of Conisborough, was charged with having been drunk whilst in charge of a cart and two horses.

Mr Hall appeared for the defendant.

According to the evidence of the police the defendant was drunk and incapable, that when he was spoken to he swore, and that on being taken into custody he was very violent.

The defendant denied in toto the statements of the police, and said he was sober as they were, and that although he protested he could manage the horses, they handcuffed him and violently removed him to a cell. One officer, police constable Drury, he said, seized him by the collar and tore his shirt neck in two. He was afterwards dragged into the hedge bottom, one policeman kneeling on him, whilst the handcuffs were being fastened.

Several witnesses were called for the defence, one stating that the police “dragged the defendant fearfully on the road,” and then Lord Auckland said the defendant would be given the benefit of the doubt, and was accordingly discharged.